GWA Calculator with Units (Step-by-Step + Example)
Calculating your General Weighted Average (GWA) in the Philippines can be tricky, especially when subjects have different credit units. For example, a 3-unit subject like Mathematics has more impact on your overall GWA and academic performance than a 1-unit subject such as PE. That’s why using a GWA calculator with units is the most accurate way to compute your grades — and the official system used by most universities in the Philippines.
This guide explains:
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What GWA with units means
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The correct formula for GWA computation
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A step-by-step manual example
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A free GWA calculator for the Philippines 2025, you can use
What is GWA with Units?
General Weighted Average (GWA) is the grade weighted average of all your subjects in senior high school or college. Unlike a simple average, GWA computation considers the number of credit units each subject carries.
👉 Example: A 4-unit science subject affects your GWA more than a 2-unit PE subject.
This method is used by top institutions such as the University of the Philippines (UP), DLSU, UST, PUP, FEU, NU, and CLSU. Schools calculate your GWA to determine eligibility for scholarships, honors, and overall students’ academic performance.
Formula for GWA with Units
The standard formula for the computation of your GWA is:
GWA=∑(Grade×Units) ∑Units\text{GWA} = \frac{\sum (\text{Grade} \times \text{Units})}{\sum \text{Units}}
Where:
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Grade = Final grade in a subject
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Units = Number of credit units assigned
This method avoids human error and ensures accurate results when you calculate your general weighted average.
Example Table
| Subject | Grade | Credit Units | Grade × Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 1.75 | 3 | 5.25 |
| English | 2.00 | 3 | 6.00 |
| Science | 1.50 | 4 | 6.00 |
| History | 2.25 | 2 | 4.50 |
| Computer Science | 1.25 | 3 | 3.75 |
| Total | 15 | 25.50 |
Formula:
GWA=Total Grade × UnitsTotal Units\text{GWA} = \frac{\text{Total Grade × Units}}{\text{Total Units}}
Calculation:
GWA=25.5015=1.70\text{GWA} = \frac{25.50}{15} = 1.70
✅ Final GWA = 1.70
Step-by-Step Explanation
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Multiply each subject’s grade by its credit units.
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Example: Math (1.75 × 3 = 5.25).
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Add all the results together.
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(5.25 + 6.00 + 6.00 + 4.50 + 3.75 = 25.50).
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Add the total number of credit units.
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(3 + 3 + 4 + 2 + 3 = 15 units).
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Divide the total grade points by total units.
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25.50 ÷ 15 = 1.70.
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That’s your GWA!
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In this example, the student’s GWA is 1.70.
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Cumulative/multi-term GWA
Do not average term GWAs directly. Instead, add all Grade×Units across all terms, add all units, and then divide.
Example of combining two terms:
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Term 1: total points = 25.50, units = 15
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Term 2: total points = 22.00, units = 12
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Grand total points = 25.50+22.00=47.5025.50 + 22.00 = 47.50
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Grand total units = 15+12=2715 + 12 = 27
Free GWA Calculator Philippines 2025
Manual computation is prone to mistakes. Instead, you can use our free GWA calculator Philippines 2025.
Just enter:
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Subject name
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Number of units
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Final grade
The tool instantly shows your overall GWA and grade-weighted average.
Our online GWA calculator is free to use, works across devices, and removes errors. For those without internet access, some schools also provide offline GWA calculators (Excel or manual templates).
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Also available: [GWA to GPA converter] and [GWA to Percentage Calculator] to compare your results with other systems.
Common Mistakes in GWA Computation
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❌ Not multiplying grades by units → Wrong computation.
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❌ Treating all subjects equally → Inaccurate methods of GWA computation.
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❌ Excluding failed grades → Universities still count them in your GWA.
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❌ Using percentage grades directly → Always convert to the Philippine GWA scale.
Practical Tips & Caveats for GWA
1. Rounding Rules Vary
Some universities round to two decimal places, while others truncate after two decimals. Always follow your school’s official computation policy.
2. Conversion Differences
There is no single universal conversion from Philippine GWA to US GPA to percentage.
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Each university may publish its own conversion table.
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For official purposes (e.g., study abroad, credential evaluation), rely on recognized agencies such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
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If unsure, always check your target university’s conversion table.
3. Honors & Scholarship Thresholds
Cutoffs for Dean’s List, Latin Honors, scholarship eligibility, and probation differ by university. Always refer to your student handbook or registrar’s guidelines for the exact requirements.
4. Estimated Conversion Help
If you want, you can paste your transcript (grades + units), and I can:
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Compute your GWA with units
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Provide an estimated GPA on a 4.0 scale (using a simple, commonly accepted method)
Do all subjects count in GWA?
Yes, in most schools, all credited subjects are counted, unless your university specifically excludes some courses. For example, NSTP or PE are sometimes excluded. Always check your school’s official policy.
What is a good GWA?
A good GWA depends on your university, but generally:
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1.75 or better is considered good.
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For Latin honors, most schools require a GWA between 1.75 and 2.00 (the lower, the better).
Can I compute GWA without units?
Yes, but it’s not accurate. If you don’t use units, every subject is weighted equally. The official method is GWA with units, since 3-unit subjects like math have more weight than 1-unit subjects like PE.
How does GWA relate to GPA?
GWA is used in the Philippines, while GPA is used abroad. If you’re applying to foreign schools, you need to convert GWA to GPA using a conversion chart or tool.
Can I calculate GWA for multiple semesters?
Yes. To get a cumulative GWA:
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Multiply each grade by its units.
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Add all results.
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Add all units.
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Divide total (grade × units) by total units.
This works for one semester or your entire college program.
Final Takeaway
Using a GWA calculator with units is the most reliable way to track your academic performance in the Philippines. Whether you’re a senior high school student or in college, computing your grades with units ensures fairness and accuracy.
Try our free GWA calculator Philippines 2025 today and avoid mistakes when you calculate your General Weighted Average.
